Gappy Ranks - Son of The Ghetto [Hot Coffee Music]
Gappy Ranks is an artist in whom I had a pretty healthy interest after hearing the first two big tunes, ’Stinkin’ Rich’ and ’Heaven In Your Eyes’, but it certainly has waned as of late (because I’m ready for the full album already). Still, I start this week with the release of his obese EP Son of The Ghetto. This seven track set features (I THINK) some of the newer material from the UK dynamo and to be perfectly honest although I’m not as interested as I might’ve been a couple of months ago, there’s some very good things here. Of course there’re two versions of ’Stinkin’ Rich’ (one featuring Kibaki) and I’m tired of that tune by now, but there’s also ’Life’ which is a big tune alongside Million Stylez and ’Roll It Up’ which is also very strong. And there’s also the very Demarco-esque (Gappy actually sounds quite a bit like the man of a million styles these days) (no pun intended) EP title track, for which Gappy went out and shot a new video for. Hopefully this can help keep the hype until the full album drops, be it for Greensleeves or someone else.
D.N.A. Riddim [TJ Records]
Rather all of a sudden like, it seems as if damn near every Reggae record company is jumping up with its very own digital distribution deal (and if they come to the decision to settle with anyone besides Zojak Worldwide, they instant fuck up) and doing so is making more and more projects available in the digital arena almost IMMEDIATELY. Besides the Daseca boys’ Genesis Riddim, there’s been Don Corleon’s work (some of which I may or may not mention later in this post) and one of the more high profile others, TJ Records who brings forth the DNA Riddim. I think this one originally dropped like late last year or so and given the fact that it features the likes of Vybz Kartel, Aidonia, Beenie, Vegas and Buju, definitely received more than a little attention. I also REALLY liked the riddim itself because it is actually DANCEHALL music, but most of the vocal performances aren’t very good. For my money, it’s two old school Dancehall DJ’s, Spragga Benz and Louie Culture (yes, I’m calling them old school dammit) who shine the brightest on the piece. And it’s digital now, so you can just go and pick those two off and hopefully the medium is ‘perfected’ a bit so TJ won’t put a clean riddim version in the middle of the album and an edited version of Kartel’s XXX rated ‘Turn & Wine’, as if anyone old enough to listen to that tune would want it edited.
Vybz Kartel - ‘Clarks’ featuring Popcaan & Gaza Slim [CR203/ZJ Chrome]
Speaking of the man - Yep. Damn tired of this tune by now (damn tired of its sequel by now), but you may not be, so for your listening pleasure (hopefully) is ‘Clarks’, the rather impact footwear celebrating tune for your digital consumption. This was a pretty big song just a minute ago (you can probably say that it still is), I never REALLY liked it, but it’s pretty good for what (in my opinion) Kartel has been doing as of late. And FAR more importantly (watch me turn nerdy), you can’t sit there and tell me that I was the only one who upon hearing the tune for the first time (and about a hundred times thereafter), almost IMMEDIATELY began to sing, “Inna mi trowback Knicks, old school kicks . . “. Damn. Those were the days. . .
Toussaint - ‘Be You’ [I Grade Records/Zojak Worldwide]
Blaq Capone - ‘Life Of A G’ [No Doubt Records/Zojak Worldwide]
In a VERY similar situation (even with the same distributor) (biggup Zojak) to the previously mentioned Toussaint is the also US based (apparently born in Kingston) Blaq Capone who has had the most fortunate set of circumstances in linking with the greatest Reggae producer on earth, Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor. The result of said “link” is the social commentary ‘Life Of A G’ which is very interesting. The lyrics of the tune are such where they kind of seem to try to tear down the glorification of the violent life style (life of a g) and show the unfortunately GRIM reality of it (“dem don’t know the life of a G, before dem know dem inna cemetery”) and, of course, does so across a Flava riddim (which I’ve never heard before). Again, I don’t know how the link was made, but this could potentially be very fruitful also. Capone’s delivery is solid and doesn’t take much getting used to (even though his name sounds like something which came from the 1980’s) (you cannot tell me ‘Blaq Capone’ doesn’t fit in with ‘Super Cat’, ‘Mad Cobra’ and ‘Louie Rankin’, you just can’t) and, his lyrical ability is very sharp. Now if he’s added into the mix of No Doubt Records, especially retroactively (and thus given the opportunity to voice Flava’s ever increasingly VAST catalogue of riddims), it could be a very nice and powerful thing, so definitely look forward to hearing more from Blaq Capone, but here is a very nice place to start.
Gyptian - Revelations [No Doubt Records]
Speaking of Flava McGregor (segues like fire today!), also available from his LETHAL catalogue this week is a new album from Gyptian of all people. Revelations becomes Gyptian’s third album to date as apparently McGregor and company are attempting to capitalize on his ‘Hold Yuh’ hype right now and it’s probably a good idea. Of course the album also has a greater emphasis than a single big tune (with which it has nothing to do) because Gyptian and McGregor go back quite a ways, in fact it was McGregor who produced several of the singer’s early hits and would ultimately helm the lion’s share of his debut album, My Name Is Gyptian, so the two definitely work well and have a history together of working well. Here, what you’ll essentially find is (as you probably expected) (hopefully expected) a gathering of various Gyptian singles on No Doubt riddims over the past couple of years or so, including the recent ‘Love Means Everything’ from the Classic Riddim. Also joining in on the fun are big names like Barrington Levy, Lutan Fyah, Chezidek, Norris Man and Natural Black amongst others. Gyptian is by no means one of my favourites, but I have to give credit where it’s due and the man is poised for a HUGE 2010 with ‘Hold Yuh’ still climbing charts, a forthcoming VP album and now with Revelations in the bag.
Beenie Man - ‘Mi Woman A Call Mi’ [Sankofa Productions/Zojak Worldwide]
So nice, we released it twice. I’m sure I did one of these here things not incredibly long ago mentioning Sankofa’s Ital Jockey & 12 Furlong Riddim release (yep, just checked, it was ‘Check It Vol. 3’ in December) and on that piece, courtesy of the same Sankofa/Zojak link, was Beenie Man’s ‘Mi Woman A Call Mi’ and since the tune has become a pretty big deal (probably bigger than expected) from then, they too are trying to capitalize on its successes. I pretty much liked the tune from the very first time I heard it and still do and yeah . . . Okay I pretty much only mentioned it so I can bring in the video and show all the pretty faces. Big tune still and definitely you should pick it up.
Shaka Pow - ‘Life’ featuring C. Mondesir [Nicko Rebel Music/Zojak Worldwide]
And now to put a nice lid and a bow on the ‘singles we got from Zojak’ category - I have to briefly tell you about this very cool song from veteran Shaka Pow alongside C. Mondesir, ‘Life’. Before the obvious thing here, I should mention that the tune itself is very nice. I’ve never been too much into Shaka Pow’s music, but I’ve always respected his talents and that kind of ‘rough around the edges’ type of set he has definitely shines bright here (I always kind of likened him to a more melodic version of Merciless somewhat in terms of how he sounds). And of course, after listening to about 30 seconds of this song, I wish you luck in your attempt to get the chorus out of your head anytime soon because it’s just not happening, AT ALL.
Tarrus Riley - ‘Intimate Reservations’ [Rosegold Entertainment/Zojak Worldwide]
Apparently the lid either didn’t fit or the bow wasn’t tied properly because here’s another single from Zojak, produced by Rosegold, and it’s probably the nicest of the lot (I actually am posting it because I saw it on a site and was mad that we didn’t get it only to see that . . . Yes we did). Of course these days Tarrus Riley pretty much has the ’midas touch’ when it comes to LOVELY music and if ever you doubt that, I would suggest to you to pick up DAMN NEAR ANYTHING that he does. That “ANYTHING” certainly includes ’Intimate Reservations’. Just COMPLETELY casually the man puts this thing up and it is SWEET. BEAUTIFUL song! He barely even seems as if he’s paying attention to the tune at times and it’s a masterpiece. BRILLIANT and not for single people, I’m sure.
Zion Gate Riddim [John John Records]
Speaking of young Mr. Riley (who’s older than I am), he appears on this wonderful remake riddim release from King Jammy’s progeny (and Mr. Lady Saw, I think they‘re still together) John John, the Zion Gate Riddim. I believe the riddim was a Sly & Robbie original and apparently they relaid it for John John here and over the newly minted piece he’s recorded the likes of Alborosie, Sizzla Kalonji and Tarrus Riley. You probably know how I feel about Albo, but his ’Rudie Don’t Fear’ is pretty strong actually, and of course check Sizzla’s ‘Music In My Soul’ and Riley’s ‘Sweet Jamaica’ as well. The riddim has apparently gotten pretty popular on a worldwide scope and hopefully if it does well enough here, it’ll prompt John John to call up a few more names to round things out with a healthier number of vocalists (maybe call up Horace Andy??? And let him sing with Queen Ifrica, just an idea!).
Alley Cat - ‘Vagina Night’ [Mumrar Productions]
And to move into the category of singles we most thankfully did not get from Zojak -
Yeah. Uhmmmm. Hmmm.
Don’t buy this. No. Don’t do that.
The General Da Jamaican Boy - ‘Cocky Man Hood’ [Hard Life Productions]
Nope. Not this one either.
Just don’t. It’s not . . . No.
Kulcha Knox - Praise Jah Again [Kariang Records]
I’ll probably end up reviewing this one at some point (and were it not for Chezidek jumping in, you would’ve gotten it last week), but just in case I don’t or do so at a much later date (I’m actually already twelve years late), I thought I’d tell you about this absolute GEM of an album. I never even knew Kulcha Knox had had an album until Praise Jah Again started popping up on the digital sites and we had to get our hands on it. Apparently Kariang released it back in 1998 originally and it’s kind of faded away into obscurity, but like I always say, this wonderful digital medium can so easily bring things back to life and that’s exactly what has happened here. I do so nicely remember a few of the tunes here, such as the HUGE title track, ‘Dread Natty’ a remake of Marley’s tune of (basically) the same name and ‘Splashing Dashing’ also sounds very familiar to my ears (not a remake). This album is very strong and hopefully, now that Knox is experiencing a pretty good stretch of resurgence in his career, we can get a sophomore set at some point and happy belated born day to Kulcha Knox (I was going to review the album as a ‘gift’ for him turning 45 last week I believe). Very good work here.
Chukki Starr - Most Wanted [Greensleeves Records]
Love it when they do the work for me. Here's Chukki Star himself telling about his new 'greatest hits' style album Most Wanted (and who else is going to admit that they thought Starr was wearing a hat on the cover before they saw this video???).
Yabby You - Legacy [Yabby You Music/Zojak Worldwide]
And finally, it’s definitely time to give thanks for the life’s work of Mr. Vivian Jackson, bka Yabby You, who transitioned earlier this year after approximately FORTY years of work in Reggae music. His own label and Zojak Worldwide now bring forth this very nice collection of tunes both sang by Yabby You and tunes for which he is known of through his extensive work as a producer. This twenty-five tune set features BIG tunes such as ‘Conquering Lion’, ‘Warn The Nation’ and ’Jah Vengeance’. There’re also contributions from Trinity, Wayne Wade, Big Youth and other artists so fortunate as to have worked with the legendary Yabby You. This piece is perfect for new and old fans alike (I don’t actually know if there is a more DEFINITIVE collection of his work as of yet, but even if there is, this is top notch material and if your collections, like mine, are shamefully low on Yabby You, Legacy is certainly an excellent addition.
BONUS!
Good Groove Riddim [Chiney K Productions/Summit Music Group]
Okay, consider this a bonus (actually I should go and call it a bonus, one second) because I was good and happy with this post at 14 or 15, however many releases it had, but I'm going add one and for good reason, the Good Groove Riddim from Chiney K. I was pretty surprised that I hadn't paid this one more attention in general and I was even more surprised that I'd actually had this album for about a week or so now and hadn't given it a proper spin just yet (blame Chezidek) (and Natty King), because it is GORGEOUS! I mean when you take all of these artists (some of whom I don't enjoy too much generally) and you can put them on a point like such and not have ONE SINGLE BAD TUNE, you've really done something good and the Good Groove is definitely "something good". Anthony Que, his twin brother Gyptian (can't tell me they aren't similar looking) alongside Powerman who . . . yeah, not too much into Powerman and the 'hot and cold' Tyrical shine on their efforts; as do, as expected, Sizzla Kalonji and Lutan Fyah; but to my opinion, taking top honours on the riddim is DEFINITELY future star Ginjah who's Reggae music affirming 'Reggae Can't Done' easily has a claim of being one of the, if not THE best tune I've heard in 2010 thus far. So definitely check this one out, it's available now and Big BIG respect goes to Zalemmm from Bassculture for 'repointing' my attentions in its direction. Very nice piece here.
Double Bonus!
Toots & The Maytals - Flip and Twist [D & F Music]
And because the powers that be seemingly have no interest in me ending this post (EVER), here is another piece DEFINITELY worth mentioning as the legendary Toots & The Maytals have a new album out this week, Flip and Twist. The album definitely is a very colourful one and incorporates quite a few different styles including Jazz, Blues and Rock (which should be fairly typical for T&TM fans) and it's EXCELLENTLY presented as well. Of course, with this type of artists you know that you're really dealing with something at the top of the game, so you can well expect a variety of different experiences in dealing with the album as well. Apparently they're promoting it to no end and you can learn more about (and buy a TON OF STUFF to go along with it) at their beautiful new website.
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